We lost Bailey Dog yesterday. We are all heartbroken. There just aren’t enough words to convey our love for that little dog, or the profound ways in which Bailey changed us all with his selfless love. There is no love like that of our fur babies.
Bailey was fine over the weekend. Middle Son was sending me pics of him and chatting about Bailey, and all was well. Monday, Bailey began suffering sudden and serious neurological problems. They took him to the vet, he was admitted him and they ran tests. On Tuesday, it became clear it was bad and Bailey was suffering. Middle Son then made the toughest and most loving of decisions.
And friends, it cost him a huge chunk of his heart to do it. Middle Son adopted Bailey when he was four years old and unwanted. The two of them quickly formed a bond that was, and in some ways still is, unbreakable. A few months after Bailey came into our lives, Middle Son had to go on a business trip. He called me and said, “Mom, can you check in on Bailey? I left him with my brothers, but Mom, Bailey is my best friend. The best friend I’ve ever had. Will you check on him?”
And that friendship lasted until Bailey took his last breath, and beyond. It hurt Middle Son and his girlfriend so much, but they refused to allow the dog that loved and trusted them to suffer. And so yesterday, Bailey left us.
But the love he gave us lives on in ways we can’t even measure.
R.I.P Bailey. We love you and miss you. You will always be a very special part of our family.
July 27th, 2016 at 2:35 am · Link
My heart is breaking for all of you. What love and devotion your son displayed in not letting Bailey suffer. We will all miss Bailey. RIP sweet boy.
July 27th, 2016 at 4:55 am · Link
I am so sad, Jennifer. Peace & comfort to all your hearts.
July 27th, 2016 at 6:20 am · Link
That is the hardest decision people with pets will ever have to make. Your son was very brave to choose Bailey’s suffering over his own. Pets have such short life spans but touch our hearts immensely in the time we are allowed with them.
So sorry for your family’s loss.
July 27th, 2016 at 6:53 am · Link
Oh no. =o(
:HUGS:
July 27th, 2016 at 7:41 am · Link
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our animals are just the same as our family members.
July 27th, 2016 at 9:18 am · Link
Oh Jenn, I am so sorry. I don’t get on to blogs much anymore – too easy to respond via FB but when I saw this, I had to stop by and wish you, and your family, my deepest condolences. I could tell, from all your past blog posts, how deeply you all cared for this amazing little fellow. I’m sorry for all the pain you are going through but proud of your son for putting those feelings aside to do what was best for his forever friend. I pray you all find peace, knowing you gave him the best life ever, and knowing he’s jumping and playing on the other side of the rainbow bridge!
July 27th, 2016 at 10:58 am · Link
Oh Jen! My heart goes out to you, Wiz, Middle Son and his lady. Bailey was such a big part of your lives. It is a heart-breaking decision but bless MS for making it. Know that Bailey was met on the other side of the rainbow bridge but a few of my own. They’re all playing in the sunshine right now. Much love to you all.
July 27th, 2016 at 12:29 pm · Link
Viki, thank you. I’m fiercely proud of Middle Son and his girlfriend. I wish they hadn’t had to make the choice, but they stepped up and did it. And now we can all know Bailey’s off chasing lizards until we see him again
July 27th, 2016 at 12:31 pm · Link
Roz thank you so much. Your caring brings us comfort.
July 27th, 2016 at 12:32 pm · Link
Labrat11, thank you, your thoughts truly help. Bailey brought us years of joy and memories, and that’s priceless.
July 27th, 2016 at 12:34 pm · Link
B.E,, I know
You’ve been through it too. We all have to let our beloved animals go at some point, and wish them peace.
July 27th, 2016 at 12:35 pm · Link
Valerie, thank you so much. Having people who understand the special love really helps get through the loss.
July 27th, 2016 at 12:37 pm · Link
Niki, thank you so much for this. And you’re right, Bailey can jump again as he once loved to do before his hips started hurting. You reminded me of a great memory
To be able to think of him like that again is a wonderful gift. Thank you.
July 27th, 2016 at 12:40 pm · Link
Silver, thank you. It’s a relief to think of Bailey playing and happy with your dogs
Middle Son and his girlfriend absolutely made the right choice, and we are all grateful.
July 27th, 2016 at 2:03 pm · Link
Oh Jenn, I feel for you and your family. I know what it is like to lose a cherished pet. My heart goes out to you. It is a heartbreaking decision, but take peace in knowing he isn’t suffering any longer. He was given a great life filled with love.
July 27th, 2016 at 2:27 pm · Link
I’m so sorry, I know how hard that decision is, we had to put one of our cats down and it was so hard. Our animals are not just friends they’re family and the ones we often tell our deepest secrets to. You all loved him and the choice was made out of love so just take comfort in knowing that he isn’t suffering and he knows how much you all loved him.
July 27th, 2016 at 4:53 pm · Link
Mary, thank you. Sharing our grief here with all of you who’ve been through it too makes it more bearable.
July 27th, 2016 at 4:58 pm · Link
Amanda, you’re so right and thank you. Our animals make our world a much better place. Knowing Bailey, or any of our animals like your cat, isn’t suffering anymore truly helps.